So the Sox enjoyed their first day off in 3 weeks yesterday, a span where we saw them go 9-11, which isn’t horrible, but the fact that they are still in 4th place, with a .456 winning percentage, and 8 games behind freaking Toronto, and on pace to win 73-74 games…

UGH…

And now they are heading to Yankeeland for 3, which means we get to listen to the assault on our senses, known as ESPN, My9, and the YES Channel. The only time they are fun is when the Skanks are looking, cause they start throwing their guys right under the bus. Someday, I would really love to watch a game called by Rem-Dawg and DO…But because I live about 3 hours from NYC, and am in the midst of their blackout zone, I would have to drive to Connecticut to do it…

So.

As is the tradition here at Boston Red Thoughts, let’s do a W-L analysis of how things could go this weekend. Last time the Sox met the Skanks, it was in April, so there was not much going on. And since there are 5 games between them and 3rd and 4th place, it’s not like a rank can be won or lost…But for giggles, we’ll go…

To the Blackboard!

To recap: Sox are 36-43, Skanks not much better at 40-37, and are 3 games behind Toronto in the AL East.

If the Sox Sweep: Since the Sox seem to be on this strange “They win 1, then lose 4” kinda thing, I am pretty sure this ain’t happening. BUT, it is baseball, so if we go there: The Sox would be 2 GB the Skanks, still in 4th place.

If the Sox win 2: (This is more possible, because I don’t think they will beat Tanaka on Saturday night) 4 GB the Skanks in the AL East…

If the Sox win 1: (Also very possible) 4 GB the Skanks in the AL East…

If the Sox are swept: 8 GB the Skanks in the AL East

WOW. Isn’t THIS cheery??? They are so far in the hole that the BEST CASE SCENARIO still has them in 4th place–2 games behind the Skanks in the AL East. Holy hell…

But at least Tampa Bay still sucks! And Speaking of. Did you know that they are actually WORSE than Houston this year? At a .400 win %, they are actually the WORST TEAM IN BASEBALL. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha…

And in a move that shocks no one, The Flyin’ Hawaiian has been shut down. Again. This time for a sore back. Now there is talk he may not even make it back THIS YEAR. The Sox need to act as if that is the case and get someone to stabilize the outfield. The young ‘uns need help, and while I love Johnny Gomes…and Daniel Nava seems to have found his mojo (.391 in his last 16 games), but it’s not enough…In case you were wondering, Shane has only played 21 games for during 2014 campaign. (He played 122 in 2013)

Neato Stats: Can someone get Brock Holt a Player of the Week or Month or SOMETHING? In the last month, he has played 5 positions, including all 3 outfield spots–all of them WELL, which is startling considering he had never played ANY of them before (he is a 3rd baseman by trade). He also has a BA of .323, which is #1 among rookies, AND he leads the bigs with 47 hits. And I think he was actually spotted at the Billy Joel concert at Fenway, running lights AND sound…

For the first time, the Lowell Spinners have retired a number: 25, which was the number of outfielder Ryan Westmoreland, who was forced to retire from baseball in 2013 due to a brain condition he still battles today. We all had such high hopes for that kid, who battled back after the first brain surgery for what is called a “cavernous malformation”, and essentially teaching himself to play baseball again, only to be struck down again. He is doing well, going to college, and hopes to be involved in the business side of baseball again, but it’s sad as there was so much potential there…

Finally, some great news from Red Sox legend Curt Schilling, who is reporting his cancer is in remission. Yay!

Coming up: Brandon Workman is BACK! Taking the bump in Game 1 of the series, opposed by the Yankee version of Jake Peavy/That Clay Person: Vidal Nuno, with a 1-4 record with a 5.88 ERA. 1st pitch: 7:05pm…